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Student Support Services
Refer Students Explore Resources Student Assistance Fund
Overview
Student Support Services provides support to undergraduate students in the following ways:
- We support the holistic needs of Bryn Mawr undergraduate students.
- We provide non-clinical, student-centered support services.
- We partners closely with class deans, Academic Support, Access Services, Medical and Counseling Services, and Residential Life.
We follow the tenants of non-clinical case management: we provide referrals, assessment, advocacy, student empowerment, and follow-up and resolution services.
If there is an immediate concern for safety, please contact Campus Safety at 610-526-7911.
Refer a Student of Concern
Student Support Services provides a supportive and empowering pathway to connect students in distress to 1-1 support, guidance, and comprehensive resources. Please use the Student of Concern referral form to connect students to our services. Students may also use this form to self-refer.
Student of Concern Referral Form
Reasons to Refer Students
- Distress related to anticipated transitions and/or unexpected events
- On and off-campus resource consultation
- Recent physical and/or mental health hospitalization
- Assistance with contacting faculty for short-term medical experience or personal emergencies impacting academics
- Leave guidance and support
Who to Contact
The content provided here is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, nor should it replace the consultation of a trained medical or mental health professional.
Explore Resources
Below, you will find community resources that can support a variety of wellness areas. Student Support Services can help you explore resources further.
College Partners
- Call Protocol to Speak with a Counselor: 610-526-7778
- TELUS Health for Enrolled BMC Students
County Services
- Access Services serving Montgomery County
- Montgomery County Mobile Crisis
- If in Crisis - NAMI Montgomery County PA (namimontcopa.org)
National Services
International
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The Steve Fund is dedicated to the mental health and emotional well-being of students of color.
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Therapy for Black Girls offers a therapist locator, group chats, and blog articles to encourage the wellness of Black women and girls.
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Asians Do Therapy works to reduce stigma about and improve access to therapy with guidance on finding a therapist.
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Asian Mental Health Collective is a searchable database of Asian therapists serving the U.S. and Canada.
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Black Virtual Wellness Directory is a searchable database by state: Find a Virtual Black therapist, doula, yoga teacher, mediator, and much more.
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Inclusive Therapists is a database for people to connect with therapists focused on the needs of marginalized populations, including people of color, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities.
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National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is a nationwide directory of therapists who identify as Queer and Trans Therapists of Color
- LGBTQ Youth Resources in Philly will lead you to several LGBTQ organizations in Philadelphia.
- Trans Lifeline is designed for transgender people. The Trans Lifeline is staffed by people who are themselves transgender. U.S. Call: (877) 565-8860, Canada: (877) 330-6366
- Inclusive Therapists is a database for people to connect with therapists focused on the needs of marginalized populations, including people of color, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities.
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) is a nationwide directory of therapists who identify as Queer and Trans Therapists of Color
- Trevor Project is a crisis resource for LGBTQIA+ identifying folks. Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-4-uTREVOR (1-866-488-7386)
- In Acknowledgment of the many recent and upsetting laws and agendas that discriminate against LGBTQIA youth and their families, we want to express our support and solidarity by offering the following resources:
- PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies, with nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America. Find a chapter near you.
- Transgender Law Center is a national trans-led organization offering legal resources to the transgender and gender non-conforming community.
- Victims Services Center of Montgomery County
- https://www.victimservicescenter.org
- 888-521-0983
- Women's Center of Montgomery County
- 24 hour DV hotline; elder abuse services; individual/group DV counseling; advocacy (legal, medical, housing, employment); info/referrals; court/hospital accompaniment; emergency relocation fund; education/outreach; LGBTQIA+ affirming services
- Laurel House Domestic Violence Center
- https://laurel-house.org/
- Confidential hotline/textline; housing - emergency housing and transitional house; support services (counseling, crisis, medical advocacy, children's program); legal; prevention; case management
- Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County
- 24/7 hotline; counseling; safe house; legal services; advocacy services
- 14 West Second Street Media, PA 19063
- Victim Services Center
- Support for crime victims including sexual assault; 24 hour hotline and crisis counseling; accompaniment for sexual assualt medical exams in Montgomery Co.; counseling; education; support groups; victim advocacy; victim compensation assistance; LGBTQIA+ affirming
- 325 Swede St., 2nd Floor, Norristown, PA 19401
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- Offers a comprehensive list of hotlines, shelters and legal; safety plans and resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
- crisis helpline; 24/7
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
- crisis helpline; 24/7; Eng/Spanish
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Renfrew Center specializes in the treatment of anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and related mental illnesses. Programming comprises a comprehensive range of services, including day treatment, intensive outpatient, and group therapy.
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The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. Includes a 24/7 chat, text, and phone helpline and community forums to connect with support.
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Project Heal provides resources including free clinical assessment for those curious about and actively seeking treatment with eating disorders.
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The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) envisions a world that celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes, in which body weight is no longer a source of discrimination and where oppressed communities have equal access to the resources and practices that support health and wellbeing.
- National Harm Reduction Coalition provides resources and support for safer substance use.
- In the Rooms offers online 12-step programs.
- Smart Recovery provides free mutual support meetings to assist individuals interested in recovery from substance use.
Main Line Health offers Charity Care and Financial Assistance for those who are finding it difficult to pay for their medical expenses. Please don't let finances stop you from seeking the care you need. For questions about Main Line Health's financial counseling program, please call 484-337-1970.
Emergency Room (ER) Care
- Bryn Mawr Hospital Emergency Room - 130 South Bryn Mawr Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 - Lankenau Medical Center Emergency Room - 100 East Lancaster Ave
Wynnewood, PA 19096
Urgent Care Clinics
- AFC Urgent Care - Narberth - 934 Montgomery Ave
Narberth, PA 19072 - AFC Urgent Care - Havertown - 115 W. Eagle Rd
Havertown, PA 19083 - Main Line Health Urgent Care - Wynnewood - 306 E Lancaster Ave, Suite 200
Wynnewood, PA 19096 - Vybe Urgent Care - 1305 West Chester Pike
Havertown, PA 19083 - Tower Health Urgent Care - Villanova - 635 Conestoga Rd
Villanova, PA 19085
- Ardmore Food Pantry - Monday, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.
- Mitzvah Food Program - Thursday, 1-3 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.
- SNAP (food stamps) for college students
- Narberth Community Food Bank - Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Student Assistance Fund
Through the support of a generous donor and commitment of the College, there are funds available to support students who are experiencing a financial hardship due to an unanticipated event or emergency.
To be eligible for Student Assistance Fund support, you must be:
- A full-time undergraduate student
- Enrolled in the current term in which funds are requested
- Receive need-based financial aid
- Able to show you have exhausted all need-based financial aid options available, including student loans
The following are examples of expenses that are eligible to be covered by the Student Assistant Fund:
- Travel expenses due to a serious illness, death or emergency in the student’s immediate family
- Essential dental work or eyeglasses for the student
- Unforeseen medical expenses for the student
- Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, theft or natural disaster
- Safety needs, such as winter clothing for students from warm climates
Ineligible expenses for the Student Assistance Fund include:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and Meal Plan Costs
- Costs associated with Junior Year Abroad (JYA)
- Books and supplies (this is covered by financial aid)
- Loss of parent income due to COVID-19 – please contact the Financial Aid Office for questions, or see the financial aid change in circumstance process
- Medical expenses of a family member (not the student) – please see financial aid change in circumstance process)
- Joanne Sullivan, Dean of Financial Aid
- Joi Dallas, Assistant Dean for Intercultural Engagement
- Ann-Therese Ortíz, Associate Dean for Equity, Inclusion & Community Life Sara Donals, Assistant Director, Case Management
- Tomiko Jenkins, Dean of Student Life
Note: Although some expenses are not eligible for the Student Assistance Fund, students are still encouraged to complete the online form. The Financial Aid Office will follow up with students who are ineligible for this funding to discuss the student's situation.
Students should pursue all other institutional financial resources, including student loans (Federal Loans for US citizens and Permanent Residents, Bryn Mawr Loans for students without US citizenship), before applying to receive funds. The amount given is determined by the need and subject to the availability of the funds. A student is typically eligible to receive funding once per academic year. Student assistance funds do not need to be repaid and are distributed on a case by case basis. Funds will be made available as soon as possible and are generally limited to $300.
Please note that international students on F-1 and J-1 visas are not eligible for funds for unexpected expenses, per the regulation of their visas. Also, payments made from U.S. sources constitute taxable income to a nonresident payee. The College must withhold tax from the payment at a standard rate of 30 percent. International students should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss their specific situation.
Please click on this link to apply for Student Assistance Fund. You may be contacted by a member of the Dean’s Office to discuss your circumstance and they will consult with campus partners, including the Financial Aid Office, if appropriate. This fund is not associated with the financial aid application process. Financial aid applicants who have special circumstances that relate directly to the financial aid process should contact the Financial Aid Office.
Student Assistance funding may create a taxable event that could require reporting to the IRS by the recipient.
From 2021 through June 2022, $39,775.58 was paid to students who experienced hardships. To request a copy of this report, email the Dean's Office (deansoffice@brynmawr.edu) in the Dean's Office.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Student Support Services abides by FERPA and is a Responsible Party for Title IX and Clery.
We establish and maintain privacy but are not bound by confidentiality- we may follow up with referral sources and other helpful partners to share general information to ensure a collaborative process benefits the student.
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Contact Us
Student Support Services
Sara Donals (she/her)
Assistant Director of Student Support Services
Email: sdonals@brynmawr.edu
Phone: 610-526-5372
Guild Hall, Office of the Undergraduate Dean